Mayim Achronim

“Mayim Achronim” (literally meaning “last waters”) is a ritual that is performedat the conclusion of a meal to remove any salt from the fingers. We sprinklesalt on our bread to emphasize the similarity between the table at whichwe eat and the altar of Temple times. The Bible states “And with all yourmeat-offerings you shall offer salt” (Leviticus 2:13). Salt reminds us of thesin-offerings. The Hebrew word machal (“to forgive”) is composed of the sameletters as melach (salt), as is bread, the foundation of the meal.

In ancient times, there was a danger that after a meal people might becomedrowsy and rub their eyes with their fingers. The Melach Sedomit (salt-extractfrom a bedrock) that was used in those days might have stuck to the fingersof the people during the meal and been rubbed into their eyes, blinding them.In modern times, even if there is no longer any health risk, most religiousauthorities hold that Mayim Achronim is a rabbinical dictum; as there isno physical blindness, so too should there not be a spiritual blindness. Saltreminds us that the poor should be welcomed guests at a Jewish table. Nowthat we have concluded our meal and are satisfied, we should not be “blind” tothe poor who are hungry. According to the midrash, the people of Sedom wereseverely punished for their lack of hospitality by being turned into blocks of salt.